BFRC repeats warning after false A + claim costs installer £5400

News Item

14 Jul 2015

BFRC has reiterated that it will pursue rogue installers making false claims after a court ordered a Swansea company to pay £5,400 in fines and compensation over false claims including an ‘A+’ window rating and also BBA accreditation.

Direct Choice Home Improvements Ltd pleaded Guilty before Glamorgan Valleys Magistrates and was fined £3,500 plus costs and ordered to pay £1,900 in compensation to the homeowner. The charges included: “being a trader, engaged in an unfair commercial practice, namely a misleading action by describing windows as A+” and six further charges including “displaying a trust mark or equivalent, specifically ‘BBA’, without having the necessary authorisation” and obstruction.

The case, brought after the homeowner complained her new windows were draughty, was supported by a witness statement from BFRC technical director Gary Morgan who later said the windows were: “categorically not A+.”

Paul Lewis, Trading Standards and Licensing Manager, Merthyr Tydfil Council added: “ It is important that consumers can rely on the accuracy on the energy efficiency stated by suppliers. Being able to reduce energy bills and reducing our carbon footprint are factors consumers now take into account when making a purchase and, as this case emphasizes, we will investigate cases where consumers have been misled”.

BFRC managing director Chris Mayne said: “Rogue installation companies need to be named and shamed where illegal practices are uncovered BFRC will pursue any wrongdoers to protect the interests not just of BFRC registered businesses but also of homeowners.”